Westchester Drive renamed after gold medalist Dr. Greg Bell

Hallie Gallinat, Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, Ind.
·2 min read

May 24—The Board of Public Works and Safety voted Wednesday afternoon to rename Westchester Drive in honor of Dr. Greg Bell Way for his years of service to the community and accomplishments in athletics.

Bell has been a long-time citizen in Logansport, serving as a dentist for the community and the residents of Logansport State Hospital. He had a long career in track and field, winning a gold medal for the long jump in the 1956 Melbourne Australia Olympic Games.

In addition, Bell had an undefeated collegiate career, gathering long jump records that stood for 24 years in the Penn Relays and 35 years at Indiana University Bloomington, the resolution says. He also became a Charter Member of the IU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Indiana Track & Field Hall of Fame.

Bell holds the distinction of being IU's first student-athlete individual event Olympic gold medalist and Indiana University's first African American gold medalist.

"We want people to remember [his service and accomplishments] for a long time, so this was something that was high on the mayor's agenda to get done and we've been working with the Street Department to make sure all the things will be in order when this change occurs," deputy mayor Jacob Pomasl said during the meeting.

The board passed the resolution following its reading and is effective upon its passage.

"When those changes are being made, we'll be sure that the public is aware and have a nice little event down there to make this change," Pomasl said.

Bell was not present at the meeting.

112 Yorktown Rd. Demolition

Building Commissioner Rob Rennewanz appeared before the board to vote upon the emergency condemnation and emergency demolition order of 112 Yorktown Rd. The house suffered substantial structural damage during a house fire on May 12.

Rennewanz said it was a total loss and was not salvageable. The board approved both the emergency condemnation and demolition.

A GoFundMe has been set up to donate to the people injured in the fire. To donate, visit the link here.